CLEMATIS, a genus of Climbing Plants belonging to the natural order Ran 'mew-lame, and characterised by having a valvate coloured calyx, carpels in a ripe state terminated by long feathery styles, and opposite leaves. The most common species is C. ritalba, the Tra veller's Joy, which runs over the hedges in many parts of England. loading them first with its copious cluster* of white blossoms, and afterwards with heaps of its feather-tailed silky tufts. It is however better known from some of the exotic species being favourite objects of cultivation. C. fiammula, a species with panicles of small white flowers, is among the most fragrant of plants. C. eirrhosa, C. crispa, and C. jtorida, are remarkable for the large size of their greenish white flowers; while the purple or pink bells of C. riticella, hanging gracefully from its festooning branches, render that species, when well managed, ono of the moat elegant and ornamental of climbers.
The species of .A tragene, Siberian and Alpine plants, with finely-cut leaver' and delicate purple flowers, considered a peculiar genus by Linnaeus, are other species of Clematis. They have a climbing habit, and are occasionally seen in gardens; their stems however are apt to become naked, and they are not so generally cultivated as the species of genuine Clematis. The leaves of C. erect(' and C. flammula are used by beggats for the purpose of forming artificial ulcers. There are about 100 species of the genus Clematis.
All these plants are hardy, but they are impatient of damp in winter. The latter circumstance is therefore to be attended to by those who wish to ornament their gardens with them.